Effective April 1, 2020, Florida Governor Ron Desantis has ordered “Shelter at Home” measures for the entire state through a minimum of April 30, 2020. The order has six sections, defining the “Safer At Home,” essential services, essential activities, local orders, previous executive orders and effective and expiration dates.

When the order goes into effect Friday, April 3 at 12.01 AM, everyone living in the state will be told to remain in their homes except for essential services and activities. The Governor’s statement cited the Department of Homeland Security guide that lists services and businesses that will be allowed to remain open during the stay-at-home order. Businesses that are deemed non-essential will have to close to the public, but some non-essential businesses like restaurants can still operate and deliver food.

Note: The stay-at-home order supersedes any conflicting orders issued by local authorities in response to COVID-19. Comprehensive information on COVID-19 and Florida can be read here.

All Sanibel Captiva Beach Resorts properties are currently accepting reservations for May 1, 2020 and beyond. This includes ‘Tween Waters Island Resort & Spa (www.Tween-Waters.com or 800.223.5865), West Wind Inn (www.WestWindInn.com or 800.824.0476), Beachview Cottages (www.Beachview-Cottages.com or 800.860.0532), Castaways Cottages (www.Castaways-Cottages.com or 800.375.0152) and Sanibel Captiva Island Vacation Rentals (www.SCVacay.com or 877.388.5050). 

Recently, SCBR’s 4 resorts launched a “Rest Assured” campaign that allows guests with current reservations at any Sanibel Captiva Beach Resort to reschedule for a later date, or if necessary cancel the reservation, without fee if done within 24 hours of date of reservation. SCBR advises that guests needing to modify their reservations email or telephone the Reservations Departments at the respective resort.